1Neonatology, Clinical for Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Centre of Serbia

2Neonatology, Institute for Neonatology, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Background and Aims This study was set up to compare two forms of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Lavage with diluted surfactant in saline, and lavage with saline only.

Methods Fifteen term neonates with severe meconial aspiration syndrome (MAS) (needing mechanical ventilation in the first hour and inspiratory oxygen fraction more than 30%) were divided into two groups: I group (surfactant group, n=8) treated with BAL using diluted surfactant (6mg/ml), and II group (saline group, n=7), treated with BAL using saline. Both groups were treated with surfactant after BAL.

Results Mean gestational age, Apgar score in the first and the fifth minute, and birth weight did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05). Duration of mechanical ventilation did not differ between groups (12.5 days vs 17.29; p>0.05), as well as the length of mean length of oxygen therapy (Igroup 6.57 days and 4.57 II group, p>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay (12.5 days vs 17.29; p>0.05).

Conclusion Diluted surfactant BAL and saline BAL in the first hours of life combined with a dose of surfactant have the same effect on the length of mechanical ventilation length of oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay.

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